Abstract
Sulfated polysaccharides obtained from red microalgae proved to be as potent antiviral agents against various viruses. The huge molecular weight of these polysaccharides contributed much to the difficulty in explaining and understanding the mechanism of their activity against internal steps in the replication cycle of these viruses. In the present study we used microscopic Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate: (a) possible penetration of these polysaccharides into the treated cells, (b) effect of the polysaccharides treatment on some metabolic changes in these cells. Our results show a rapid accumulation of carbohydrates in the treated Vero cells. The carbohydrates level in these cells increases continuously after treatment during the entire experiment time period. In addition, we noted a gradual shift of PO2-ionized symmetric stretching peak of Vero cells to the position found in primary cells as a result of the continuous treatment with the microalgal polysaccharides.
Highlights
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is well known for its uniqueness as a noninvasive method in identifying vibrational structure of materials
In the present study we examined the effect of these polysaccharides on cells in culture using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy
IR spectra of vero cells treated with red microalgal polysaccharide
Summary
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is well known for its uniqueness as a noninvasive method in identifying vibrational structure of materials. Various biomolecular components of the cell give a characteristic IR spectrum, which is rich in structural and functional aspects [1,2]. One of the most promising applications of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is in biomedicine, for detecting and monitoring characteristic changes in molecular compositions and structures that accompany a transformation from a normal to a cancerous state [3,4,5]. Our results showed interesting behaviour of the internal levels of carbohydrates in the treated cells. Our spectroscopic data indicate for some metabolic changes of the polysaccharide treated cells (which are considered as cancer cells) to their normal state. V. Erukhimovitch et al / Spectroscopic evaluation of carbohydrate levels in cell line
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
